Save Money in Your Divorce Case
Follow these tips and you could pay your divorce attorney a lot less:
1. Have an Clear Written Fee Agreement
Whether you hire a lawyer on an hourly or flat fee basis, it is extremely important that you get a written fee agreement that clear defines the terms of the representation, including whether any portion of the retainer is refundable, whether and how often you will receive statements, the attorney’s hourly rates, etc. You should get and keep a copy of this fee agreement.
2. Don’t Mistake Your Divorce Lawyer for Your Therapist
Divorces are extremely emotional. Since your divorce attorney is (or at least should be) firmly in your corner, talking to him can be a very reassuring experience. Because it makes you feel better you can easily get into the habit of calling often, almost daily.
But remember, every time you call your lawyer the clock is ticking and you are getting billed by the hour. Think of it as a very expensive cab ride.
You should communicate with your attorney anytime you need legal advice on your case. But before you pick up the phone make a list of questions or issues you want to discuss and limit your conversation to these points without wasting time ranting about the unfairness of the situation.
3. Don’t Use Your Attorney to Negotiate a Division of Personal Items
Arguing about which party deserves the blue sofa or the bread maker is not a good use of attorney’s fees. As much as possible, you should try to resolve these issues with your spouse.
4. Don’t Throw Away Dollars Trying to Save Nickels
This is extremely important. People will often be extremely frugal about hiring an attorney and think they are saving a lot of money by hiring a lawyer for a small flat fee, or hiring someone who is not very experienced but will work cheaply.This is a mistake and one that could cost you a lot of money in the long run.
Someone who is learning on the job, or is simply unprepared, can cost you a great deal of money. So don’t cheat yourself out of dollars in an attempt to save nickels.